Anything But Innocent by Ella J. Quince

Author:Ella J. Quince
Language: eng
Format: mobi
Publisher: 0
Published: 2016-02-12T05:00:00+00:00

Chapter 15

They arrived mid-morning and Dean handed Lucy and Thea down. Her father, brother, and mother waited happily on the steps. Dean held Lucy’s hand before she could move away. She hadn’t spoken to him since last night, and that was probably for the best, but he had one thing to say.

“I’m leaving,” he said low enough for only her to hear.

“What?” She turned to him in confusion.

“I’m part of the problem, so I’m withdrawing from the situation entirely.” He watched her swallow. That was all time they had to speak before her family descended on them. He watched her go to her mother and she hugged her tightly. Lady Heath looked well, if a little thin.

Rigsby clapped him on the shoulder. “My thanks, Winchester. I will never be able to repay you for the trial you must have suffered.”

“It was nothing. Your Aunt Harriet is very entertaining.”

“That she is.” They turned and watched the emotional reunion.

“By the way, an acquaintance of yours has arrived fresh from the season. She arrived yesterday and awaits you inside.”

“She?” Dean said curiously.

“The Countess of Clive.” Rigsby smirked.

Dean’s face fell. “No.”

“Oh, yes. I tried to spare you, but my mother, fresh from the boredom of her sickroom, insisted the Countess stay and assured her you would return post haste.”

Irritation filled Dean. The nerve of that woman. How did she find him? “I, unfortunately, can’t stay. I was planning to see Lucy home and return home to check on my father.” From the corner of his eye, he saw movement on the steps. He turned slightly. He watched her descend with that predatory air. She shimmered in the sunlight, her gown far too elegant to be a day dress, but Lisbeth didn’t care. She always wanted to shine. She always wanted to be the center of attention. She smirked as she caught his eyes, her look knowing precisely what he was thinking and feeling. Her raven hair shined and bounced perfectly as she moved forward with the grace and tenacity of a huntress.

He broke his eye contact with her, his focus moving to Lucy, also witnessing the glorious arrival that was Lady Lisbeth St. Andrew, the Countess of Clive. He swallowed back an urge to snarl. She too had turned her attention to Lucy, and her eyes gleamed like a predator that smelled blood. Dean unconsciously moved forward, thoughts of his escape vanishing from his mind. A protective instinct swelled inside him. He must shield her from Lisbeth. She was a venomous snake.

Lord Heath greeted him first, thanking him for his escort. He was astonished when Lady Heath went so far as to hug him and kissing his cheek.

“You are forever in my prayers, Lord Winchester. My deepest thanks for the safety of my daughter and dear Thea.”

“It was my honor, Lady Heath,” Dean said sheepishly.

“He rode in a carriage. He didn’t fight off a dragon,” Lucy said impishly.

“You are a dragon,” Jonathan quipped.

Lucy grinned. “I shall take that as a compliment.”

“Lady Lucy, it is a pleasure to see you again.

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